I do mine in a coffeemaker! LOL (Lots less work.) If you drink coffee, you'll want to use a different one for the tea or your tea will taste like coffee. I have 2: one for tea, one for coffee.

I just put the tea bags in the filter holder and fill with water, let the tea brew, I usually let it steep a little bit, then pour the hot tea over sugar (as earlier described), stir well, then fill the rest of the way with cold water. Delicious!

Yes, you can use Lipton tea bags. I guess Lipton comes in family sized tea bags, if so I'd use 6, if not then probably about 10. And no you don't have to use the microwave but it works for me. I personally don't like to steep it as I don't like the bitter taste it can get. 6 minutes in the microwave is just long enough for it to come out having a smooth taste. It just works for me. I use Luzianne tea bags because they are "specially blended for Iced tea." lol